Swarm and Sting
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Three trades that the Charlotte Hornets should explore with their draft picks

By Jacob Phillips

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 31: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz reacts to a play during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 31, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 31: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz reacts to a play during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 31, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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Hornets trade deadline: Jakob Poetl, San Antonio Spurs (Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports)
Hornets trade deadline: Jakob Poetl, San Antonio Spurs (Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports) /

Trade Two

Hornets trade: PJ Washington, Kai Jones, 13th Pick, 15th Pick 

Hornets receive: Jakob Poeltl, 9th Pick

In February, there were reports that the Hornets and the San Antonio Spurs were in discussions for a Jakob Poeltl and PJ Washington trade. However, the trade fell apart due to a disagreement over whether a first-round pick should be included.

"Sources: The Charlotte Hornets and San Antonio Spurs have discussed a trade of PJ Washington, Kai Jones and a potential first-round draft pick for Jakob Poeltl. — Michael Scotto (@Mikeascotto) Feb 10, 2022"

Poeltl had a career year in San Antonio, setting career highs in points, rebounds and assists per game. He shot 62% this past season and was a key piece in getting the Spurs into the play-in tournament.

Poeltl would be an instant contributor to the Hornets. Unlike Gobert, Poeltl would fill the starting center role without the expectations of producing at an all-star level. This would make his transition to the team easier.

This trade allows the Hornets to move up in the draft to the ninth pick. If the Hornets have a certain player they want to draft, moving up could help guarantee that said player ends up in Charlotte.

For San Antonio, Washington and Jones would be solid additions to a rebuilding team. San Antonio would also get two picks to go along with their existing picks.

If the Spurs have a specific player they wants with the ninth pick, this trade might not work. However, if they feel that they do not have a player in mind, the idea of two picks in the top half of the draft could be enticing.

This trade had some traction before the deadline this year, so there is no better time than now to resume talks and make it happen.